Physics

Define Plane of Vibration and Plane of Polarization

Define Plane of Vibration and Plane of Polarization

The plane containing the optic axis in which the vibrations occur is known as the plane of vibration. Plane of vibration of a polarized light wave is generally unchanged in passing through a transparent material; it remains polarized in a similar plane.

The plane which is at right angles to the plane of vibration and which contains the direction of propagation of the polarized light is known as the plane of polarization. It is the plane in which the magnetic-vibration element of plane-polarized electromagnetic radiation lies. The plane of polarization does not contain vibrations in it.

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Fig: Planes of vibration and polarization

In the Figure, PQRS represents the plane of vibration and EFGH represents the plane of polarization.